Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Professional Issues in Computing
Code CKIT522
Coordinator Prof FP Coenen
Computer Science
Coenen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

1. To provide students with the knowledge required for them to identify and understand the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional Issues (LSEPI) arising in the use, implementation, operation and monitoring of IT systems and organisations.

2. To provide exposure to the legal and social issues that computing professionals may encounter as part of their practice.

3. To develop the key management skills required for effective utilisation and operation of IT, including risk and computer security management.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An ability to be able to differentiate between ethics, ethical behaviour and approach to ethical decision making in the IT context.

(LO2) An ability to explain the roles and responsibilities of IT professionals in organisations and society, to evaluate relevant work-related behaviours and issues, and respond to professionals issues.

(LO3) Knowledge of the legislative and regulatory obligations and standards as they relate to IT environments in organisations, including freedom of speech and intellectual property, and an appreciation of their impact on the work of the IT professional

(LO4) An ability to assess the impact of business compliance imperatives and a comprehensive understanding of how these impact on the work of the IT professional.

(LO5) A deep understanding of the issues and techniques associated with consulting and contracting and the management of IT projects.

(LO6) Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the full range of impacts of IT on society and organisations.

(LO7) An ability to analyse current trends that may increase the risk of the misuse of IT.

(LO8) An ability to identify and describe the elements of risk and computer security management as they relate to IT.

(S1) Skills in using technology - Online communications skills

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S3) Working in groups and teams - Time management

(S4) Improving own learning/performance - Reflective practice


Syllabus

 

Seminar 1: Introduction:
Technology within Society Key terms; Comparison of different perspectives for identifying and approaching ethical issues in technology; The role that ethical theories play in the analysis of issues and controversies involving technology.

Seminar 2: Professionalism in IT 
Comparison of professional codes of conduct; Creating a code of conduct for the workplace; Evaluating the responsibilities of IT professionals in the context of themselves, their employers and clients and to society; The importance of communication.

Seminar 3: Legal Perspectives, Privacy and Data Protection
The legal framework that applies to the computing profession and its impact; Privacy concerns generated by the evolution of technology; Legislative and regulatory obligations and standards as they relate to the Internet; Adequacy of current privacy laws and data protection plans.

Seminar 4:  Censorship and Intellectual Property in the Contex t of IT
Methods of computer software protection: Copyright, patents and trademarks; Application of the principle of fair use of proprietary information in digital formats; The Free Software Movement and the Open Space Initiative; The impact of censorship and freedom of speech on IT.

Seminar 5: Security and Cybercrime
Types of technology related crime and enforcement efforts; The implications of cyber-security issues, including the question of whether computer break-ins can ever be justified; The challenges that emerging technologies, such as cloud computing, pose for IT security.

Seminar 6: IT investments, Contracts and Outsourcing
Vendor selection processes; Vendor evaluation; Contract types.

Seminar 7: Elements of Risk Management
Risk and the terminology used in risk assessment and management; Techniques to identify, analyse, respond to and monitor risk; Designing approaches to risk managing.

Seminar 8: Social Aspects of Technology, Emergen ce and Convergence of Technologies
The range of impacts of IT on human societies and organisations; The impact technology has had on the nature of work and the quality of working life; The social and ethical impact of the emergence and convergence of technology as it relates to topics such as online communities, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Electure
Description: Weekly asynchronous discussion in virtual classroom conducted by an online instructor.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Number of hours per week that students are expected to attend the virtual classroom so as to participate in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 8.75.

Self-Directed Learning Description: Number of hours per week that students are expected to devote to reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 10.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           70

70
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 80
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Group Project :The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Societies and Organiations Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When)   One week/1,500-1,750         
Group Project : Security, contracts, vendor selection and outsourcing. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 6  One week/1,500-1,750         
Essay - Understanding professionalism by applying Code of Ethics (group project) Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When)   One week/1,500–1,7         
Essay analysis: Analysis of a Cybercrime scenario Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 5  One week/750-1,000 w         
Essay – Comparison of global IT legislation Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 4  One week/1,500-1,750         
Essay legislative and regulatory obligations and intellectual property standard Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When)   One week/750-1,000 w         
Essay - Professional Ethnics Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Week 1  One week/750-1,000 w         
Eight discussion questions Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole Session  Weekly Discussion Qu    32       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.